Washington is filled with holiday-themed clichés this time of year, but the folks over at Story Partners opted for one from the music industry instead to announce the addition of new Senior Vice President Trudi Boyd.

“We are getting the band back together!” exclaimed Story Partners Chairman Gloria Dittus, who previously founded — and later sold — her Dittus Communications, in an email. “I worked with Trudi for over 10 years at Dittus Communications.”

Other alums from the first Dittus shop include Debra Cabral, Amos Snead and Deborah Sauri. “Trudi has a long history of successful public affairs and will be a great asset to the Story Partners team and will make an immediate impact on behalf of our clients,” Dittus added.

Boyd’s clients have included major corporations and trade associations such as Kraft Foods, the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America, the Grocery Manufacturers of America, Pernod Ricard USA, the International Dairy Foods Association and the Partnership to Fight Chronic Disease, among others.

Most recently, she was been general manager of Allison+Partners. Before that, she was with FTI Consulting, the post-sale moniker of Dittus’ former firm.

Boyd got her start in Washington as chief of staff and communications director for former Rep. Larry Combest, R-Texas.

To share the news of Boyd’s addition to the firm, Story Partners released a one-minute video.

Revved Up to Party

It may still be holiday party season, but that isn’t stopping the inaugural event planners from getting on next year’s calendars.

In one example, Ford Motor Company and the Smithsonian’s Office of Corporate Relations are playing host to a gala reception on Jan. 21 at the Smithsonian Air and Space Museum.

While the formal invitations have yet to be delivered, the gala’s save the date may put at ease any jittery lawmakers or Hill aides. “The event qualifies as a widely attended event under House and Senate ethics rules,” it states.